After sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, he was released on his own recognizance after "drinking two shots of tequila"

A 42-year-old man was released from custody after being accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, despite admitting his actions during a confrontation with police. The incident occurred near Turin’s outskirts, where the teenager entered a convenience store to buy a drink. According to the victim's account, the shopkeeper approached her, embraced her, and touched her. She managed to escape the premises and immediately called her mother. The woman described feeling shocked and disgusted following the encounter, stating she could barely walk for several minutes afterward. The victim’s version of events has been corroborated by surveillance footage from the store’s security cameras. A review of the video recordings revealed another alarming detail, just a few minutes before the assault on the teenager, the same man had attacked another woman, approximately 40 years old. Police are currently actively searching for this second victim and attempting to identify the perpetrator. The suspect, who has not previously received criminal convictions, was released from detention after just 48 hours. The court ordered him to report daily to a local police station, a decision that sparked public outrage and political backlash. The ruling has led to widespread criticism, particularly from Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who strongly condemned the judicial decision. She emphasized that the government continues its efforts to strengthen national security, yet such rulings make these goals extremely challenging. In response to the controversial release, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio announced plans for immediate inspections of the responsible court. He criticized the decision as inappropriate and stated that inspectors would soon visit the jurisdiction to assess the situation. This move signals growing pressure on the judiciary to ensure stricter adherence to legal procedures in cases involving sexual offenses against minors. The case has ignited intense debate over how quickly suspects are released in similar incidents. Critics argue that the rapid release undermines public trust in the justice system, especially given the lack of prior criminal history for the accused. Meanwhile, supporters of the court’s decision maintain that the suspect cooperated fully with investigators and expressed remorse for his actions. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of women and young girls in public spaces. Local authorities have begun reviewing protocols for handling such situations, with a focus on improving surveillance and response times. Community leaders and activists have called for greater awareness and education on personal safety, emphasizing the need for both institutional and individual responsibility. As investigations continue, the fate of the second alleged victim remains uncertain. Authorities are working closely with forensic experts to determine whether the two incidents were separate acts or part of a pattern. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the broader challenges faced by law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing crimes of sexual violence, particularly when perpetrators attempt to justify their actions through self-defense or other excuses.